Looking for the right wheelchair is like looking for a new pair of shoes. There are numerous manufacturers and a wide variety of models to choose from. Buying a wheelchair is expensive and can involve the input of many people including the wheelchair user, doctors, physical and occupational therapists, wheelchair seating specialists, and insurance companies. Choosing the right wheelchair is an important decision, as the wheelchair will serve as a means for mobility for many years to come.
Wheelchairs come in two broad categories — manual and power. Manual wheelchairs are probably the most well known type of chair. A manual chair can be propelled by the individual or pushed by someone assisting. Power wheelchairs are propelled by a combination of a battery and motor. Power wheelchairs can be driven by the person using the chair through a variety of means or driven by an attendant.
Manual wheelchairs
Manual wheelchairs come in many varieties, but the two main categories of manual wheelchairs are rigid frame and folding frame. Rigid frames are frames that do not fold. Wheelchairs with rigid frames have several benefits including lighter weight, fewer moving parts that can break, and better maneuverability and responsiveness. Folding frames are, as the name implies, frames that can fold. The primary benefit of a folding frame is ease of transportation. Folding frames are easier to store in cars or even on airplanes. It is important for a wheelchair user to consider the pros and cons of each type of wheelchair when making a purchase.
In addition to the type of frame, the frame material is an important characteristic of manual wheelchairs. The frame material influences both the weight and durability of the wheelchair. Lighter wheelchairs are easier to push and can save the user from wearing out their arms and shoulders prematurely. Aluminum and titanium are two common materials for wheelchair frames. Aluminum is heavier and less durable than titanium but is also cheaper than titanium.
Note that many insurance providers will not pay for the upgrade to titanium without justification from a doctor or physical therapist. Other wheelchair frame materials include steel and carbon fiber.
Manual wheelchairs are appropriate for many people and for many purposes. Many people at some point in their lives will have an experience with a manual wheelchair, typically in a hospital or other medical setting. These wheelchairs, commonly called transport wheelchairs, only offer a small glimpse of what manual wheelchairs can offer. Transport wheelchairs are often heavy and bulky, and not typically suited for long periods of use.
Lightweight or ultra lightweight wheelchairs are what most wheelchair users will use for daily mobility. These wheelchairs will be customized to the individual user, considering factors such as the person’s strength, level of function, posture, height, and weight. When getting fitted for wheelchair, it is crucial to work with qualified doctors, therapists, and wheelchair seating specialists in order to get a proper wheelchair.
There are many accessories that can be added to a manual wheelchair to improve the mobility of the user. Power-assist wheels can be used in place of regular wheelchair wheels to make pushing the chair easier. Power-assist wheels make it easier to navigate rough terrain, ramps, and carpet. Other types of wheels are available to make it easier to push through sand and snow.
Power wheelchairs
Much like manual wheelchairs, there are many types of power wheelchairs available to serve wheelchair users. Power wheelchairs range from mobility scooters to wheelchairs that can climb flights of stairs. Power wheelchairs can be driven in several ways including with joysticks, sip and puff mechanisms, and switches that are activated by different parts of the body. Power wheelchairs offer many benefits over manual wheelchairs, but they are not without their drawbacks.
Power wheelchairs can be customized to suit the needs of virtually anybody. When choosing a power wheelchair, one of the first decisions to be made is what type of drive system is best. Power wheelchairs can be made with rear-wheel, mid-wheel, and front-wheel drive systems. The drive system influences both the maneuverability and smoothness of the ride. Mid-wheel drive wheelchairs have the best maneuverability of the three types, followed by front-wheel and rear-wheel. In general, front-wheel and rear-wheel drive wheelchairs offer better shock absorption than mid-wheel drive wheelchairs. Like anything else, there can be significant differences between models made by different manufacturers. It is important to test-drive any power wheelchair to feel the differences that may influence a purchasing decision.
Choosing the right seating system
Once the drive system is selected, the type of seating system is the next choice to be made. The seating system plays a vital role not only in comfort, but skin protection, posture support, and the independence of the user. Many seating systems for power wheelchairs allow the user to tilt and recline while seated in the chair. This allows the user to change their position throughout the day in order to relieve pressure to protect their skin, help with blood pressure issues, and remain comfortable.
There are also many options to help accommodate any posture issues the user might have. Adjustments can be made to accommodate curves of the spine, pelvic obliquities, and muscle contractures that may cause someone to sit unevenly. Finally, many power wheelchair manufacturers have options for seat elevators that allow the user to raise the level of the seat. Seat elevators can aid in reaching high objects, seeing over obstacles, and being eye-level with peers.
In addition to the standard options of drive and seating systems, high-end options for power wheelchairs are also worth mentioning. Vendors offer power wheelchairs that enable the user to stand while using the chair, while others can manage stairs and going off road. Although these options exist, they are expensive and difficult to get covered by insurance.
Power wheelchairs are not without their negatives. They are large, heavy, prone to breaking, and can be expensive. Flying with a power wheelchair can be difficult, as they do not fit well in the cargo area and are prone to breaking during transportation. It can also be difficult to navigate a power wheelchair in less-accessible places in the community. Despite these drawbacks, power wheelchairs can greatly enhance an individual’s independence and quality of life.
Manual and power wheelchairs are the most common types of wheelchairs, but more specialized wheelchairs exist to address different needs. For instance, there are many wheelchairs suitable for showering and taking care of personal hygiene. Sport wheelchairs are also available for athletes with disabilities. Wheelchair acing, basketball, and rugby are just a small sample of the sports for which specialized chairs are appropriate.
Conclusion
Wheelchairs of any kind are designed to enhance the lives of their users. Manual wheelchairs are smaller and cheaper but require strength and stamina to be used safely and efficiently. Power wheelchairs are great for traveling long distances and over difficult terrain, as well as addressing more complicated issues related to skin protection and posture. The size and cost of power wheelchairs, however, may be an issue when considering the purchase of one. Shower chairs and sport wheelchairs are also available to meet the unique needs of the individual. Finding the right wheelchair can be a long and frustrating process, but it may be one of the most important things some people with disabilities will do to improve their quality of life.
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